What’s Next?

On today's episode, a wide-ranging conversation with Jennifer Rizzo-Choi, Executive Director of the International Institute of Buffalo. A trained immigration attorney, she now leads the Institute in assisting new people to the region and communicating the realities of life as a refugee. Jennifer Rizzo-Choi dispels the myths and perceptions regarding refugees and asylum seekers and discusses the extensive work conducted by the International Institute of Buffalo.

Today on What’s Next? Thomas O’Neil-White is joined by returning guest Advocate/Consultant/Educator Wil Green. The two catch up since his last appearance as he is now the Director of Outreach and Community Engagement at the University of Buffalo Graduate School of Education. They also discuss Tremani Solutions, LLC an Educational Consulting Company that focuses on building Cultural and Racial Literacy and addressing Cultural and Racial conflicts that happen in schools.

Today on What’s Next?, Jay Moran sits with the Executive Director of the “Near East and West Side Task Force” Francesca Mesiah and Task Force member Dior Lindsey. Formed in 2006, the Task Force's mission is to be a collaborative group of community partners, who through advocacy, promote the well-being and self-sufficiency of racial and ethnic communities in Buffalo. The three will discuss the history of the task force, the impact it’s had, and what the future looks like for these communities.

On What’s Next? we are joined by Native American Support Title VI Coordinator Stacey Purpera, Jordan Cooke, and Dr. Berner-Wallen from Lakeshore High School to discuss with Jay Moran, Native American Heritage Month, the importance of the Indigenous community, honoring the diverse cultures, traditions and histories.

Today, on What’s Next? we examine Buffalo Toronto Public Media's documentary The Niagara Movement: the Early Battle for Civil Rights.

On this week’s Producers' Picks, we revisit three stand-out conversations from the last few episodes of What’s Next? First off, we hear from Executive Director at Literacy NY Tara Schafer and Interim Executive Director at Erie Niagara Area Health Education Center Brittany Tranello. Then we continue with a tour around Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve with Environmental Educator Marcus Rosten and another tour in the new Buffalo AKG Art Museum with the Director Janne Siren.

On today’s “What’s Next?” Thomas O’Neil-White discusses black nerds with returning guest LaGarrett King who brings with him Black History Educator, Researcher and author of the newly released Beyond February Dawnavyn James to discuss everything Black History.

On today’s “What’s Next” we are joined by Wayne Brown. A clinical social worker and advocate who is focused on patients facing complex challenges, including addiction, positive parenting and curbing corporal punishment in parents, and the issues of self-harm and suicide.

Thomas O’Neil-White is joined by Dorian Withrow Jr. The two discuss his books “Conversations You Need” and “Wisdom 45 Advice” and navigating hardship with philosophy.

On today’s What’s Next? We are joined by one of the 2023 Buffalo Black Achievers Buffalo Urban League Chief Operating Officer Melissa Archer.

On this episode Thomas O’Neil-White is joined by the President of Jes Breathe Block Club Association Gina Davis and Humboldt Parkway resident Terrence Robinson. The three discuss the community’s concerns with the proposed construction project, health concerns, the feeling of not being heard by the state, and is this project actually reconnecting neighborhoods or is it further gentrifying the neighborhood?

Jay Moran is joined by CEO of Better Living Interest, LLC Paul Perez, and Co-Founder and Local Board President of the Erie Niagara Board of Realtist Andrew Scott who is known within the Real Estate world as the “House Plug”. The three discuss the recent announcement of the Local Chapter of “The Premier Network of Black Real Estate Professionals” to Erie and Niagara County and the challenges of home and land ownership within the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

After being wrongfully convicted and spending 27 years in prison, Angelea Preston talks with artist and Buffalo native Valentino Dixon. The two talk about how he was able to reconcile feelings of despair while incarcerated by listening to advice from his uncle, to use his passion for art to reclaim his life. His artwork has caught the attention of Golf Digest as well as First Lady Michelle Obama, who gifted his artwork to former President Barack Obama.

On today’s episode of What’s Next? We are joined by CEO and founding Executive Director of Say Yes, Buffalo David Rust. Jay Moran and David talk about a variety of topics ranging from access to postsecondary pathways and what it means for the future of Buffalo students and families, to CareerWise Greater Buffalo to the recent announcement of the Say Yes Buffalo Apprenticeship Program.

Franklin H. Williams was a civil rights leader, lawyer, diplomat, and chair of the first judicial commission dedicated to racial fairness. His legacy will be featured in the award-winning PBS documentary, “A Bridge to Justice: The Life of Franklin H. Williams.” which will be airing on WNED PBS. Today we speak with the executive director of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission Mary Lynn Nicolas-Brewster, Esq. To discuss the documentary, the legacy of Franklin H. Williams, the weeklong services that will take place this week, and much more.

On this week’s Producers’ Picks, we revisit two stand-out conversations from the last few episodes of What’s Next? First, Jay Moran speaks with Pastor George Nicholas, leading up to Igniting Hope 2023 in September; the two discuss health disparities in the African American community amongst women in Western New York and the importance of Igniting Hope. Then we hear from local artist and leather craftsman Dame Powell, who stopped by leading up to the FIG Fashion Show in late September to discuss his inspirations and how he discovered his passion.

The Taíno people were one of the influential indigenous groups that populated the Caribbean – settling in places such as Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica. On this episode of What’s Next? we hear from Beatriz Flores and Jose Flores, two Puerto Ricans in Western New York who are keeping Indigenous and Afro-Caribbean culture – specifically Bomba – alive in the Hispanic community of Buffalo. They’re also joined by Miguel Sague Jr., a Cuban Taíno that holds the position of Beike (similar to a shaman) in the community.

On today’s episode of What’s Next? we speak with Bangladeshi immigrant artist Muhammad Zaman whose art exhibit is currently open to the public. We discuss his art and the influence behind it. Then we sit down with a group of students from the social impact fellow program at the University of Buffalo to discuss the resource database they have created for immigrants and refugees new to WNY.

On today’s episode of What’s Next? we speak with Bangladeshi immigrant artist Muhammad Zaman whose art exhibit is currently open to the public. We discuss his art and the influence behind it. Then we sit down with a group of students from the social impact fellow program at the University of Buffalo to discuss the resource database they have created for immigrants and refugees new to WNY.

On today’s episode of What’s Next? Thomas O’Neil White and Angelea Preston sit down with the new President of the National Association of Black Journalist I’Jaz Ja’ciel. The three have an in-depth conversation about the state of black journalism in WNY, Buffalo Media, and the obstacles black journalists face in WNY and beyond.

On this week’s Producers’ Picks, we revisit two stand-out conversations from the last few episodes from What’s Next? First off, we hear from Shara Armprester the creator of Natural Beauty Cuties, the two discuss her mission to promote self-care and the unique beauty that comes with being a black and brown girl. Then, we revisit Jay Moran’s conversation with Mia Kai Simonne Moody. The two have an in-depth conversation about the lessons she has learned and the skills she honed to land a dream job on one of television’s longest-running animated shows – “Family Guy.”

October is National Health Literacy month, highlighting the importance of making health information easy to understand and the health care system easier to navigate. On today’s episode of What’s Next? Thomas O’Neil-White speaks with Tara Schafer Executive Director at Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara and Brittany Tranello the Interim Executive Director at Erie Niagara Area Health Education Center about the population that lacks literacy and how it affects their everyday lives.

On today's episode, a tour of the new Buffalo AKG Art Museum with Director Janne Siren. This summer, the museum reopened after spending over $200 million to refurbish the institution and add another wing, the Gundlach Building. Siren shows off the new look, how the museum has repurposed its permanent collection, and discusses how the institution works to impact all parts of the community.

211WNY has been a resource for many years for people needing to connect to services throughout Western New York. Now, they’re starting a new initiative specifically tailored for our military veterans. We speak with Bob James, the team leader for 211Vets, and we’ll hear from former military members Marlene Roll and Edwin Gadson who have been helped by many of the resources that the service pairs up veterans with. Afterward, Christie Cleaver and Christian Holdridge of Peaceprints of WNY are helping raise awareness of the case of Jamele Prichett. Much like the other clients that Peaceprints works with, Jamele went through the justice system and was hoping to enroll at a nearby university. He was accepted and then seemingly denied once he revealed his legal past.

On this week’s Producers Picks, we revisit some stand-out conversations from the last few episodes of What’s Next? First off, we hear from Dr. Andrew Hyland, the Director of the New York State Smokers’ Quitline, and Herman, one of the participants in the program who eventually quit his smoking habit. Afterward, Jay Moran visits The Exchange at Beverly Gray – a business incubator for BIPOC and underrepresented entrepreneurs in Buffalo. The center’s Executive Director Derrick Parson tells us about the work they’re doing to help business startups on the East Side of Buffalo.

Back in September we aired an episode that was taped on location at the Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve near Depew. Our tour guide was the very knowledgeable Marcus Rosten. Marcus is a self-proclaimed black birder and an environmental educator. Our trip was originally 3 hours long and after our first hour of highlights, we felt we had to hear more from that immersive and informative experience.

Filmmaker Rocco Anastasio joins the show to discuss his documentary, “Boricua Soy Yo”. The film is a comprehensive look at what it means to be of Puerto Rican descent as well as the issues that the island has faced throughout its history as the world’s oldest colony. Rocco and Lorenzo Rodriguez discuss the debate around Puerto Rican statehood as well as the concept of identifying as a member of a particular nationality from outside the country’s borders.

In this episode of What's Next?, Lorenzo Rodriguez takes us on an educational tour around the East Side of Buffalo to learn about some of the work that the Clean Mobility Neighborhood Leadership Group is doing to raise awareness about the need for clean transportation options as well as the environmental injustices the area has faced throughout the years. We'll also hear from David Hahn Baker, a long-time environmental activist in Western New York, and Tendaji Ya'Ukuu, one of the lead educators training the group of 25 Neighborhood Leaders. Later in the episode, we talk about the upcoming Children's Garden Festival put together by Samantha White and Gardens Buffalo Niagara.

On this episode of What’s Next? we hear from the President of Buffalo Black Nurses, Tiffany Anderson. Tiffany discusses the importance of diverse representation within the medical field and the toll that the last few years have taken on nurses and medical practitioners. Afterward, Britney Upshaw is the founder of Get Out and About. This nonprofit organization is attempting to provide underserved students and schools a better opportunity to leave the confines of the classroom and experience field trips.

For this edition of What’s Next?: Producers’ Picks, we revisit one of the first episodes in this new iteration of our program. We hear the story of “Alberto” – a Nicaraguan asylum seeker who left his daughters back in his home country and fled oppression at the hands of the Sandinista government. We’ll hear his story of how he arrived in this country and in Western New York. Catherine Grange, the Director of Advocacy at Jericho Road retells some of the experiences she had with the immigrants she helped settle in the area. We’ll also get an update on the continuing immigration crisis affecting our state.

On this episode of What’s Next? We speak with the Director of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, John Spears. As Banned Books Week (Oct. 1-7) approaches, we discuss the ongoing challenges that our librarians and educators are facing as the censorship rhetoric and the number of book bans rises. We also reconnect with Madge Whiskey, close friend of Pearl Young – one of the victims of the May 14th Shooting in Buffalo. Madge speaks about her beloved friend and the upcoming winter gear drive in her name.

Lázara Martínez used her given musical talents to travel the world. She was born and grew up in Havana, Cuba and picked up the violin at age 8 and never looked back. She was classically trained at the Amadeo Roldan Music Conservatory and later joined various touring bands and national orchestras that helped her see the world. Eventually, she left Cuba and ended up in Western New York where she established Pausa Art Space – an award-winning venue that helps foster Jazz and other live music acts. We speak to Lázara about her life under communist rule and the new life she found thanks to gift of music.

On October 4th, 1951, Henrietta Lacks, an African-American woman ceased to be after losing her battle with cervical cancer. But the legacy and story of Henrietta Lacks is one that still remains far after her time here on Earth. Henrietta is the source of what’s called HeLa cells – “immortal cells” that have been the basis for some of the most pivotal medical breakthroughs of our time. How those cells were cultured is another story. Pastor George Nicholas joins us to discuss the lasting impact of Henrietta Lacks – the subject of this year’s Igniting Hope conference at UB’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Buffalo Public Schools have been back in session for a couple of weeks now, but days before the start of this new school year, Lorenzo Rodriguez and Thomas O’Neil White sat down with a group of students and some active parents from the district to discuss some of their concerns. The various BPS students included Innocent, Freebirth, and Sangam. The group of parents included Edward Speidel - the President of the District Parent Coordinating Council and Co-Chair of the Special Education Parents Advisory Committee, Danielle Grzymala, Co-Chair of the Buffalo Parent-Teacher Organization, and Jessica Bauer Walker, Executive Director of Community Health Worker Network of Buffalo. Transportation, school suspensions, and bullying are among the topics brought up in this back-to-school special episode of What’s Next?

On this week’s Producers Picks, we revisit some stand out conversations from the last few episodes from our show’s prior iteration - Buffalo, What’s Next? We hear conversations from: Yanhong Baranski - Asian-American and former President of the Chinese Club of Western New York, Ryan Howze - Founder of Conscious Environment Creation and Say Whaaat? Podcast, and Nicholas Ramirez - Civil Rights attorney with the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo.

On this episode of What’s Next?, we hear how one Buffalonian took her passion for storytelling and animation and turned it into a Hollywood career. Mia Kai Simonne Moody joins Jay Moran to detail the lessons she learned and skills she honed to land a dream job working on one of television’s longest-running animated shows – “Family Guy”.

Today on What’s Next? our Disability Reporter Emyle Watkins talks to paratransit activist, Stephanie Speaker, about the need to revamp some of the regulations around NFTA Metro Bus Paratransit Access Line service. The service provides origin-to-destination transportation to individuals eligible for it under the American with Disabilities Act. Afterwards, Lorenzo Rodriguez speaks with Shara Armprester an author and the creator of Natural Beauty Cuties. Shara’s mission is to promote self-care and the unique beauty that comes with being a black and brown girl. We also discuss the growing concerns with Period Poverty – the lack of access to sanitary products, education, and hygiene facilities for the part of our population that menstruates.

On this episode of What’s Next?, we focus on The Exchange at Beverly Gray. For some time now, the Exchange has been serving as an incubator for BIPOC entrepreneurs and business owners in the Buffalo area. Jay Moran heads down to the center to speak with The Exchange’s Executive Director, Derrick Parson, to discuss the services and resources they’re providing business owners trying to get their business ventures off and running. Afterwards, Lorenzo Rodriguez talks with a number of vendors and entrepreneurs at the Black Business Month Block Party hosted by The Exchange.

Tucked away in the suburbs of Depew, NY is the 292-acre ecological gem that is the Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve. On this episode of What’s Next?, Lorenzo Rodriguez takes a tour of the preserve with Marcus Rosten - an Environmental Educator with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Marcus describes the many sights there are to see at Reinstein Woods as well as throughout the Western New York area. They also discuss the Black Birders movement that has helped to highlight and inspire a whole new group of avid avian admirers.

On this week’s Producers Picks, we revisit some stand out conversations from the last few episodes from our show’s prior iteration - Buffalo, What’s Next? We hear conversations from Todd Vaarwerk, the Chief Policy Officer for Western New York Independent Living, Ben Hilligas, the Executive Director for Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center, and Christine Carr-Barmasse, Executive director of Mission: Ignite.

The Buffalo fashion scene takes center stage later this month on September 30th at the inaugural fig Fashion Show. On this episode of What’s Next?, we put artist and leather craftsman, Dame Powell, on display. Born and raised in Buffalo, we discuss his inspirations, how he discovered his passion, and his hopes for the City of Good Neighbors to someday become a city of high fashion.

On today’s episode of What’s Next?, we tackle one of the leading causes of death in this country – tobacco use. Lorenzo Rodriguez speaks with the Director of The New York State Smokers’ Quitline, Dr. Andrew Hyland, as well as one of the program’s participants, Herman. They discuss the unique ways the Quitline is aiding tobacco users in kicking the habit and how it successfully helped Herman. They also discuss the tactics employed by tobacco companies to target black communities.

Dr. Keith Burich, history professor emeritus at Canisius College and author of “We Remain: Race, Racism and the Story of the American Indian”, joins Jay Moran to discuss the many indigenous groups of the United States and their collective history. Dr. Burich shares his extensive knowledge about their struggle to attain equality and the unjust set of rules that Native Americans have been made to follow in this country.

On this first episode of the newly-named What’s Next? we bring you a story that has been a part of the regional news landscape for months. A discussion that has been ongoing in this country for decades: what to do with our immigrant population? Producer Lorenzo Rodriguez had the opportunity to speak to one of the immigrants who were bussed to Western New York from New York City back in June of this year. This is the story of “Alberto”, a Nicaraguan national who immigrated to the United States with his wife. They left their home and daughters behind in order to flee persecution from the Sandinista National Liberation Front and the oppressive government of Daniel Ortega.

Jay Moran talks to artist and entrepreneur Aitina Fareed-Cooke from February 22 of this year. The two have an in-depth conversation on her upbringing and her media arts company Get Fokus’d Production. Then we continue with Brigid Jaipaul Valenza speaking with Ekuaa Mends-Aidoo from August 26 of last year. The two discuss DEI, tokenism, equity and ensuring everyone has a seat at the table. And we finish the show with Jay Moran speaking with Buffalo-based artist Julia Bottoms from January 25 of this year.

Jay Moran speaks with the director of Buffalo City Ballet Marvin Askew from November 28 of last year. Then we continue with Jay Moran as he speaks with Clinical Assistant Professor in the department of Indigenous Studies at UB Dr. Jason Corwin from November 30 of last year. The two talk about various issues including the launch of a full Indigenous Studies department at the University.

Jay Moran speaks with the director of the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers’ Hope program Daysi Ball. The two discuss her work with seniors from November 10 of last year. Then we continue with Jay Moran as he speaks to the founder of the East Side ministry Tesha Parker from October 25 of last year. They discuss the ministry outreach to the homeless and others in need.

Thomas O’Neil-White speaks with one of the curators of the Buffalo and Western New York African American History Group on Facebook, historian Michelle Ragland from October 19 of last year. Then from November 15 of last year, Jay Moran talks to Tiffany Lewis of the Confident Girl Mentoring Program. The two talk about the scarcity of mentoring programs for young women.

Jay Moran talks transportation, equity and the East Side trail plan with Stephanie Simeon Executive Director of Heart of the City Neighborhoods and Ashley Smith Deputy Director of GO Bike Buffalo from December 6 of last year. We continue with Jay Moran as he speaks with Teresa Watson and Sarah Frasier from Push Buffalo to discuss reforms that would change the housing climates across all of Buffalo, from December 14 of last year.

Thomas O’Neil White speaks with Buffalo Fatherhood Initiative program manager Antoine Johnson from February 8 of this year. The two talk about ways to help fathers and families in Buffalo. We continue with Thomas as he speaks with Northwest Bank’s Jonathan Graves and Rick Hamister on some new home ownership and financial literacy programs on Buffalo’s East Side from February 6 of this year. Then Angelea Preston speaks with Yanava Hawkins and Rayna Moncreiff from Gang Girl Entertainment from April 19 of this year.